Ain’t too Proud : Life and Times of The

Temptations Opens Monday July 27 a the Muny

     Jukebox musical follows the group’s extraordinaryjourney from the streets of Detroit to stardom.

The Muny full cast for its production of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, makes its premiere July 27 on the James S. McDonnell Stage in Forest Park. The thrilling true story of brotherhood and betrayal runs July 27-Aug. 2 and is presented by Moneta.

Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. “This phenomenal cast will honor the legacy of The Temptations with the electrifying performances, heart and soul that have made this musical a worldwide hit.”

Joining previously announced principals James T. Lane, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Jawan M. Jackson, Elijah Ahmad Lewis and Daniel Yearwood are Joseph Anthony Byrd, Robert Crenshaw, E.J. Hamilton, Tyler Hardwick, Joshua Keith, NaTonia Monét, Aramie Payton, Steve Rosen, TJ Staten, Nasia Thomas, Essence Anisa Tyler, Galen J. Williams and Candice Marie Woods.

The company will be joined by the Muny Teens Youth Ensemble.

   Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is led by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (director), Rickey Tripp (choreographer) and Darryl G. Ivey (music director/conductor).

The design team includes Nasha Harris Santiago (associate choreographer); Edward E. Haynes Jr. (scenic designer); Gail Baldoni (costume designer); Rob Denton (lighting designer); Joshua Hummel (sound designer); Kevan Loney (video designer); Kelley Jordan (wig designer); Ralph Stan Lee (production stage manager); and The Telsey Office/Rashad Naylor, CSA (casting).

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Principal Cast Bios

JAMES T. LANE (Otis Williams) returns for his sixth Muny production. West End: The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line. Broadway: A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong alternate); Chicago (Billy Flynn/Amos Hart); Kiss Me, Kate (Paul); King Kong the Musical; The Scottsboro Boys (Ozie Powell/Ruby Bates); A Chorus Line (Richie Walters). Tours: Jersey Boys, Cinderella, Fame the Musical. Regional: Guys and Dolls, Blues for an Alabama Sky (Virginia Stage Company); Mary Poppins (Bert) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Drury Lane Theatre

NICK RASHAD BURROUGHS (David Ruffin) Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Ike Turner, OBC), Kinky Boots, King Kong. New York: Goddess at The Public Theatre (Ahmed, Lucille Lortell Award for best featured performer in a musical). First national tours: Moulin Rouge! (Toulouse Lautrec), Something Rotten! (Minstrel, u/s Shakespeare). Previous Muny: Dreamgirls (James Thunder Early). Other: Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company (Mr. Ford). Pop Smash Radio Music Award for his album Groove Machine. Broadway World Award winner for Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas).

JAWAN M. JACKSON (Melvin Franklin) is an actor, singer and voiceover artist with a rich bass-baritone. On Broadway, he played Melvin Franklin in the original companies of both Motown: The Musical and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. And since 2022, he has performed as the bass vocalist for the legendary group The Temptations. Off-Broadway: Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. Film/TV: Sparkle, The Get Down, Doo Wop Generations, Your Monster, national television appearances.

ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (Eddie Kendricks) is a multi-award-winning entertainer and recording artist. Broadway: Tony Award-winning Ain’t Too Proud (Principal Standby), Motown The Musical (Stevie Wonder/Jackie Wilson). Tours: The Wiz 50th anniversary (Scarecrow); Ain’t Too Proud first national (David Ruffin);

The Muny artistic staff includes Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson, Associate Artistic Director Michael Baxter, Director of Production Tracy Utzmyers, and Music Supervisors Michael Horsley and Evan Roider.

   Ain’t Too Proud, which follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to international stardom, is driven by the beat of the group’s biggest hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” With signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, The Temptations soared to the top of the charts, but success came with conflict — both personal and political. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations will immerse audiences in a pivotal moment in music and American history.

Performances of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations begin at 8:15 p.m. nightly, July 27-Aug. 2.

Single-performance tickets start at just $20 and are on sale online at muny.org, by phone at (314) 534-1111 and in person at the Muny Box Office, located at 1 Theatre Drive in Forest Park (9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily).

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